2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban aimed to polarize with its bold front-end design, drawing heavily from the Camaro’s aesthetics despite an uphill battle in achieving timeless appeal. This model incorporated small headlights and busy grilles, which did not universally resonate well. The interior, however, was a different story, offering a familiar control layout while adding a few less-than-ideal changes like the button shifter and power-sliding center console, which many found unnecessarily complex.

Trim levels began with the well-equipped LS, featuring an intuitive infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, and tri-zone climate control. The LT trim improved upon this with leather upholstery and a wireless charging pad. For a rugged style, the Z71 trim offered off-road capabilities like skid plates and tow hooks. The RST trim focused on performance with sharp 22-inch wheels. Finally, the Premier and High Country trims added luxury touches like adaptive suspensions and heated-and-ventilated seats. Notably, the High Country, with its deluxe package, could rival GM’s Denali line with features like a panoramic sunroof and rear-seat media system, even though it lacked true luxury materials.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained Jeep’s design traditions while modernizing its look, particularly drawing from the Grand Cherokee L’s extended form and the 1963 Wagoneer’s styling. It offered seven distinct trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, and the luxurious Summit Reserve. Jeep also assured a wider variety of paint options over time, enhancing its appeal.

Interior-wise, the Grand Cherokee excelled with good-quality materials even in the base Laredo trim. Higher trims like Summit Reserve boasted premium leather, massaging front seats, and McIntosh audio systems. While higher trims did suffer from reflective gloss black controls, lower trims offered more practical matte finishes. Overall, the Grand Cherokee provided a balance of style, comfort, and modern function.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came standard with a 5.3-liter V8 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 8,300 pounds with the Max Trailering package. A more powerful 6.2-liter V8 offered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The new Duramax turbodiesel engine, producing 277 hp and 460 lb-ft, excelled in providing robust torque and smooth acceleration, even outperforming some V8 counterparts. The Suburban’s independent rear suspension greatly improved ride quality compared to previous models, although it still showed typical truck-like tendencies like body roll and susceptibility to crosswinds.

In comparison, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, or an available 5.7-liter V8 with 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Each engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacities varied, with the V6 maxing out at 6,200 pounds and the V8 at 7,200 pounds. Jeep also introduced the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain during the model year.

Jeep’s 4WD systems—Quadra-Trac I, II, and Quadra-Drive II—catered to varying off-road needs. The Trailhawk trim, equipped with Quadra-Drive II, proved particularly capable with features like a Quadra-Lift air suspension, electronic locking rear differential, and impressive ground clearance. Although the V8 offered a thrilling driving experience, the V6 was preferred for its balance of power and efficiency. The Grand Cherokee provided an agile ride, especially appealing without the Quadra-Lift suspension, which altered the vehicle's traditional driving character.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban impressed with vast cargo space, providing 144.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Even with the second and third rows in use, it offered 93.8 and 41.5 cubic feet, respectively. The spacious interior ensured ample head and legroom, particularly with the second-row captain's chairs. Despite a few impractical design changes like the button shifter and power-sliding center console, the Suburban's layout remained user-friendly for the most part.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered comfortable seating and practicality, though it was less spacious. It provided 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Taller passengers found the rear seat a bit tight, but overall, the Grand Cherokee maintained a sense of quality and functionality across different trims. Higher-end models featured amenities like heated and ventilated seats, front seat massagers, and improved visibility, crucial for both off-roading and daily driving.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, supporting an intuitive GM infotainment system. It offered crisp graphics, a helpful home button, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features included a wireless charging pad, available navigation, a rear entertainment system, and a useful head-up display for driving information.

By comparison, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a technology powerhouse. It featured Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system with over-the-air updates, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and optional upgrades like a McIntosh audio system and dual-screen rear-seat entertainment. A notable addition was the interactive display for the front passenger, aiding in navigation and entertainment. The Grand Cherokee’s 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and head-up display further enhanced the driving experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban was equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors as standard. The Teen Driver system allowed setting speed and volume limits. Additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system, were optional, although some competitors offered these as standard.

Jeep fortified the 2022 Grand Cherokee with numerous advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a robust safety structure. Standard features included Intersection Collision Assist and the Active Driving Assist system for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. While specifics on crash-test ratings were yet to be seen, Jeep’s confidence in their aluminum and high-strength steel safety cage was promising. The Grand Cherokee also anticipated a future hands-free version of Active Driving Assist for more advanced autonomous capability.